Diplomat Athletic Club Giving Continues to Grow

Aug 01, 2016

Giving to Franklin & Marshall College via the Diplomat Athletic Club (DAC) totaled a record $655,969 during the 2015-2016 fiscal year, which ended June 30. It is the third consecutive year DAC donations have topped $600,000 Annual contributions to the fund have grown strongly and consistently, increasing 41 percent since 2012.

A record 2,239 Franklin & Marshall College alumni, parents and friends—an increase of 9 percent over the previous year—gave their support to DAC, which has provided more than $4.5 million in financial assistance for the College's athletic and recreation programs since its inception in 2002.

"All of us involved with Franklin & Marshall Athletics are humbled by the generosity of the Diplomat Athletic Club members," said Patricia S.W. Epps, director of Athletics & Recreation at F&M. "Thanks to the dedication of our student-athletes, the expertise of our coaching and support staff—combined with the loyalty of our alumni, family and friends—we can all celebrate this tremendous accomplishment.

"What is most gratifying is that the number of donors has continued to increase throughout the years. We greatly appreciate all of our supporters."

DAC's mission is to foster excellence in F&M athletics by expanding opportunities for student-athletes to develop leadership skills; cultivating loyalty among student-athletes, alumni and friends; and raising funds to enhance the caliber of F&M's athletic programming. The organization supports student-athletes by sponsoring training trips, investing in new equipment and facilities, and creating an environment that emphasizes teamwork and a commitment to excellence.

"This year's record accomplishments represent a true championship team-level effort," said DAC Chairman Al Ingraham '72. "Those team members include athletic staff and coaches, scholar-athletes, advancement staff, alumni, parents of current and former scholar-athletes, and friends of F&M Athletics. To everyone involved, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart."